"How many times have I told you!" Prue Halliwell was furious "How many?"

"Lots" Phoebe Halliwell sounded scared - it took a lot to get her sister to this pitch but once again she'd managed it.

"Yes - lots, you are not allowed to cross the City on your own - you're not allowed to go anywhere without telling your sisters and you're to tell us who you're with! Now is that so dam hard!" The vein in Prues neck was pulsating - Phoebe knew from experience this was a very bad sign - her sister had skipped angry and gone straight to furious.

"No" Phoebes voice was quiet

"No! No its not hard at all and yet you've managed to break every single one of those rules!" Prue looked at her 9 year old sister her head was hung down she was staring hard at her shoes as though they'd just appeared on her feet. "So where were you, and who with?"

Phoebe didn't answer her sister she kept her head down concentrating on not crying - she knew Prue would be even worse if she told her what she'd been up to.

"Phoebe?" Prue's tone was menacing.

Phoebe still remained quiet.

"Look at me"

Phoebes head remained down.

"I said look at me!" Prues voice was even louder

Phoebe very slowly brought her head up and looked at her big sister.

"I'm waiting"

Phoebe shrugged.

"What the hell's going on - Prue I could hear you from the drive!" Piper Halliwell the middle sister had entered the room - she quickly took in the sight before her "What's she done now?"

"That's what I'm trying to find out - she was across town - doing god knows what with god know who - she won't say"

"Phoebe!" Piper admonished her sister "You know you're not allowed!"

"Nothing bad happened" Phoebe was desparate she knew she was in the wrong but she also knew if her sisters knew the full story she'd be in it even deeper.

"Right Missy, I've had enough!" Prue leaned across and grabbed her little sister by the arm - she pushed the small girl in front of her until she reached the sofa. "You deliberately did what I told you not to! You put yourself in danger Phoebe!"

"Pruuuee, nooooo pleaasssee don't" Phoebe knew what was coming she was already near to tears.

"Well are you ready to tell me?" Prue still had hold of her sisters arm she paused long enough to give her sister the chance to answer "No, well I'll just carry on shall I?"

Piper jumped in "Prue - that's enough - calm down - some time out eh?" Piper knew Prue would give their little sister a good hiding if she didn't stop this now.

"Prue" Pipers voice was steady as she looked at her big sister.

Prue hesitated and looked at her baby sister, she was tiny for her age, this just made things worse for Prue this just added to the worry anyone could have taken her, she was tiny and pretty - and so cute, thick brown curly hair, always unruly, she had big brown eyes and a smile that seemed to fill her face. Prues biggest worry in life was that something awful would happen to her sisters. .

"Phoebe do you understand why I'm so angry with you?" Prue took hold of Phoebes hands

Phoebe lifted her head and looked at her sister - she knew she expected an answer.

"I disobeyed you"

"That's part of it - but the main reason is that you put yourself in danger - if something had happened to you I wouldn't have known where you were, what you were doing or who you were with - you can't do this Phoebe you can't just wander off and do what you want when you want you know that"

Phoebe nodded her head.

"Sorry" Phoebe sniffed trying to contol her tears.

"Go to your room I want you to think about what you've done and what's just happened here - none of this was necessary you know that don't you?"

Phoebe nodded again "I am sorry Prue"

"Go" Prue pointed to the stairs "And I still want to know what you've been up to - I'll be up later if you tell me you can come down and have some dinner with us, ok?"

Phoebe bit on her trembling lip she couldn't trust herself to speak she nodded her head as her sister pushed her in the direction of the stairs.

Piper looked at Prue she knew she hated playing Mum to their little sister but they both knew somebody had to do it, their Grandmother was away leaving Prue in charge Piper knew that at 18 Prue found the responsibility heavy going. Phoebe was more daring than either of them she was 9 and had been in more scrapes than her two sisters added together. Phoebe had no sense of fear if she wanted to try something she did - she never thought of the consequences just a quick assessment of how much fun she could have, it drove her sisters mad they could never relax she continually had them on their toes. For all that her older sisters loved her dearly - she had many faces - outside she was brave and daring always standing up for herself and others no matter how high the odds Prue said she was like Jekyll and Hyde for as tough as she was she was also an affectionate child. Constantly seeking reassurance of their love - both her sisters knew it was as a result of their mum dying when she was such a young age and their dad walking out and abandoning them.

"Where do you think she's been?"

"No idea Pipe all I know is that she wasn't at the Park I caught her getting off a bus at the far side - I think she thought if she got back in time she'd get away with it - I grabbed her as she got off the bus - her ticket was from the other side of the City"

"Oh god! Anything could have happened - somebody could have taken her, kidnapped her, raped her murdered her" Piper was rambling something she did when she paniced "She could have got lost, did she have money? Did she...."

"Piper stop! I know all this why do you think I nearly gave her a hiding?"

"I know oh Prue!"

Prue smiled at the middle sister - she reached out and drew her near giving Piper a quick hug "she's ok Pipe that's the main thing"

"She was lucky"

"Yeah she was - doubt she thinks that though - I'm not through yet"

"What are we going to do now Prue?"

"What I said - leave her for a bit then have a talk"

"Can I have a go - she might open up to me.

"What am I the big bad Prue!"

"Well you did just threaten to give her a good hiding"

"Ok - have a go - I hope she gives in Piper I hate all this - but you know I can't let her get away with it. We could so easily lose control of her - she's thoughtless, she's careless she's so dam irresponsible"

Piper let out a little laugh "She's also nine!"

Prue watched as the ever diplomatic 15 year old Piper made her way to their little sister.

Phoebe was laying face down on the bed crying into her pillow. Piper took a deep breath and sat down next to her "Come here" Piper held her arms out Phoebe immediately crawled onto her sisters lap sobbing into her shoulder. Piper patted her back in an effort to calm the young girl down eventually Phoebe had control of her breathing and the tears had stopped, Piper gently ran her hand over her little sisters head pushing some stray hair off her forehead she looked into her little sisters eyes.

"Are you going to tell me what this is all about?"

Phoebe looked down.

"Come on Pheebes hasn't there been enough trouble? You know Prue will keep on"

Phoebe sniffed "I know"

"Then tell me"

"She'll go mad Piper"

"Erm - I think she already has honey" Piper smiled at the little girl hoping it would encourage her to open up.

"I was looking for someone"

"Who?" Piper was concerned this could be worse than they thought - was their little sister going off to meet strangers!

Phoebe tightened her arms around Piper she buried her head in Pipers neck her reply little more than a mumble, even so Piper heard the answer.

"Oh Phoebe!" Piper held her little sister tight and gently stroked her hair.

"How?"

"I found an old letter in the attic - It had an address I just thought if I could see him" Phoebe left the sentence unfinished.

"What happened?"

"He wasn't there anymore - he sublet, they wouldn't tell me where he was so I left a message they said they'd pass it on"

"Phoebe this is, this is"

Phoebe interrupted her sister "Huge I know and Prue is going to kill me"

"You'll have to tell her"

"Can't you?"

"No Pheebes this is yours - all yours"

"Will you come with me?"

Piper shook her head - "No you need to do this - go on go and see her sooner you get it over with the better"

Phoebe looked worried.

"Go on it'll be alright" Piper sounded more certain than she felt she lifted her little sister up and put her on the floor "Go and wash your face then go and see her ok?"

Phoebe nodded slowly.

Piper smiled at her "Come on - lets clean you up" she held her hand out and led her little sister to the bathroom. Phoebe made her way slowly down the stairs she took a deep breath ready to face her oldest sister.

Phoebe found Prue sitting in the sun lounge flicking through a magazine.

"Piper said I should come talk to you"

Prue raised her eyebrows - Phoebe shuffled from one foot to the other once again avoiding the eyes of one of her sisters.

Prue eventually broke the silence "Come on then"

Phoebe looked up chewing her lip Prue noticed how scared she looked.

"Has something happened?"

Phoebe shook her head.

"Come and sit down - start talking" Prue indicated the seat next to her.

"Prue, I erm I know I shouldn't have done what I did and I'm sorry"

Prue was getting frustrated at her little sister stalling tactics

"I was, I was" Phoebe closed her eyes taking a deep breath she started again "I was looking for Dad"

"How?"

"Found a letter in the attic it had an address on" Phoebe spoke fast the words came spilling out.

"So you thought you'd just turn up on his doorstep and he'd welcome you with open arms"

"No"

"Then what? - What the hell did you think would happen? - For gods sake Phoebe can't you get it into your head he doesn't want you"

"Prue!" Piper had walked in in time to hear the last bit.

Tears were streaming down Phoebes face.

"He's my dad" her voice was small

Piper walked over to the little girl and gave her a hug "I know baby I know"

Prue let out an exasperated sigh "Stop this! Stop it now! - He's not a part of our lives his choice - accept it move on!"

"Prue leave it eh?" Piper was still holding Phoebe tight, she glared at Prue - Prue was annoyed pulling them apart she knelt down in front of her little sister "So, what you're telling me is that you put yourself in danger for him? You got your ass kicked for him? What's he done for you? What's he ever done for you?"

Phoebe took in a big gulp of air trying to digest what her sister was saying she felt like a weight lay heavy on her chest.

"Prue!" Pipers voice was incredulous.

"What! Get a grip will you its true!"

Phoebe could feel the colour drain from her face she felt numb as her eldest sister took her by the arm and pushed her towards the stairs "go to your room - now - go on!"

Phoebe was too hurt to argue she automatically turned and made her way upstairs.

"Prue how could you? How the hell could you say that to her! Did you see her face?"

"Piper can it! I'll not have this I'll not have her go after that bastard!"

"She's a baby Prue! For gods sake how do you think she feels she just wants to understand!"

Prue sat down her head in her hands - she didn't need Piper to tell her she had seen how much she'd hurt her baby sister.

Piper slammed out of the room leaving her sister to clear her head - she knew Prue needed space.

Eventually Prue made her way upstairs Phoebe was sitting in the window seat gazing out at the garden - "Come on Pheebes dinners ready"

"I'm not hungry"

Prue was just about to explode when she saw her little sisters face - she'd never seen her look so hurt or upset.

"Come on babe you'll feel better - I'm sorry about before"

Phoebe shrugged.

Prue held her hand out "Come on honey Pipers made your favourite"

Phoebe took the offered hand and went with her sister Prue and Piper watched as she pushed the food round on her plate - normally Prue would tell her off but for once Prue let it go - she knew her little sister was hurting. As soon as they'd finished dinner Phoebe asked to be excused and made her way back to her room.

"Prue?"

"Leave her for now Piper - she'll be ok, I'll check she's ok in a little while and we'll talk to her in the morning"

Piper didn't like it but she went along with the eldest sister they cleared the dishes and made their way to the lounge they'd been watching TV for a couple of hours when they heard a shuffle from the door. The both looked up to see their little sister in her Minnie Mouse night-shirt and Tigger slippers, Piper bit her lip - her sister looked so young and vulnerable.

"Prue - I've erm I've got tummy ache"

Prue and Piper exchanged a glance before Prue spoke "Come here honey, shall I get some cod liver oil will that help?"

Phoebe shook her head.

"No? Then what will?"

"Could I sit on your knee for a bit?"

Prue held her arms out

Phoebe sat on her big sisters knee and snuggled in Prue looked over the top of her head and smiled at Piper - Piper gave her a half smile back.

Phoebe pushed herself as far as she could into her big sister - for all their clashes it was always Prue she turned too when she felt unsure of herself or was upset about something.

Prue wrapped her arms tight around her little sister she had one arm around her back the other she used to gently stroke her little sisters hair.

"Is that better honey does that help?"

She felt Phoebe nod her head.

"Prue are you really mad at me?" Phoebe sounded young and unsure of herself a far cry from her nomal firey self.

"No not now - I was worried babe you know that. Anything could have happened"

"I don't mean that - I mean about Dad"

"No"

"He's my dad Prue"

"I know"

"I just wanted to know what he was like - I just wanted to see him"

"I know"

"Are you mad?"

"A bit you should have talked to us"

"Do you think he'll ring?"

"I don't know honey"

"Would you let me see him?"

"We'll cross that bridge when we come to it eh?"

Once again she felt her little sister nod.

Prue rubbed her little sisters back it didn't take long for the events of the day to catch up with the youngest Halliwell.

"I love you Prue" Phoebe sounded groggy

"Love you babe"

Phoebe yawned "I've had a horrible day"

Prue couldn't help but smile - her little sister was so cute "Me too" almost as she said the words Phoebes eyes closed she was dead to the world.

Prue sat for a while cuddling her little sister Piper looked across "You've got to fix this - you shouldn't have said what you said"

"I know - leave it Piper"

"Do you think her tummy aches gone?" Piper was grinning at her sister.

"Oh yeah! - Why does she do that - she just sits on your knee."

"I think she's scared that you'll push her away"

"I never have!"

"I didn't say you had - it just seems she thinks she needs a reason, and well she's just a bit scared of you Prue, you're the one that tells her off and sets the boundaries"

"Mmm - anyway I'm going to put her back to bed - then I'm going myself night honey"

"Night Prue - love you"

"You too"

The following morning Prue was setting the table for breakfast when Phoebe skipped in "Morning Big Sis!"

"Morning little sis!" Prue smiled at her baby sister "How's the tummy?"

"What tummy?"

Prue raised her eyebrows

"Oh that? Yeah all better now"

Prue reached out and put her arm around the little girls shoulders sitting down she drew her onto her knee. "You know you don't have to have tummy ache to get a cuddle off your big sis"

Phoebe smiled at her sister Prue grinned back holding her tight with one arm she tickled Phoebes ribs with the other, Phoebe was soon giggling struggling to get free of Prues grip - Prue suddenly stopped and put both arms around her sister hugging her tight she kissed the top of the little girls head.

"Are you really feeling better?"

"Yeah - I'm ok"

"I'd like to talk to you about yesterday"

"Ok" Phoebe sounded aprehensive

"You know you really scared me yesterday - I paniced when I couldn't find you - promise me you'll never ever do that again"

"I promise - and Prue I am sorry I didn't mean to worry you"

"You always worry me! Even when you're asleep you worry me!"

Phoebe let out a little laugh.

"But Pheebes there's somehting else I want you to know - you can always talk to us you know - about anything, anything at all that worries you"

"I know - but I know how you feel, you know about, him"

"Pheebes you can say his name!"

"I thought you'd go mad I thought you'd tell me off"

"I may have done - I don't know, but in future talk to me or Piper eh?"

Phoebe nodded, hesitating slightly she looked Prue in the eye "Prue - is it my fault he went?"

"No sweetie! It's not - it was his choice to go - he chose to leave us"

"But maybe it was me - you said he never hung around once I'd been born - you're always saying I'm a handful if I'd been a good girl do you think he would have stayed?"
Prue looked down into her little sisters eyes she could see the pain and confusion.

"Honey no - listen he had gone way before you were even born - Mum and Dad had split up ages before, besides you were a lovely baby - almost as lovely as you are now!"

Phoebe smiled at her sister but Prue could see she was still not convinced.

"Pheebes he's not a very nice man"

"But he's our dad Prue" Phoebes voice was shakey Prue knew the little girl was on the verge of tears.

"I know honey and I also know he's a grown man - he made his choices"

"I guess - but don't you think he had a reason?"

Prue was starting to feel uncomfortable - she hated talking about her parents.

"None that I can think of" Prue looked up in relief when Piper entered the kitchen welcoming the diversion she stood up lifting Phoebe with her - handing her to Piper she began to set the table.

Piper took her little sister knowing what Prue had done, giving her a hug she set her on the floor and sat down - almost immediately Phoebe was on her knee Piper grinned as she stroked her sisters hair - if there was one thing that Piper loved most about her little sister it was how open and affectionate she was.

"Prue - do you think he'll ring"

"Phoebe! I've already said I don't know!"

Prue sounded slightly annoyed but Phoebe had one more thing on her mind "Prue would you let me see him?"

"Maybe"

"Leave it honey - wait and see" Piper knew if Phoebe persisted Prue would snap at her.

It was a few hours later when Prue walked into the kitchen Phoebe had just answered the phone "Yes I'm Phoebe....oh!......."Prue frowned at her little sister normally she would be babbling away for once she appeared speechless.

"Phoebe who is it?"

"Yes she's here" Phoebe held the phone out towards Prue "Dad"
Piper looked startled she watched as Prue reached out and took the phone from Phoebe - Piper sitting at the kitchen table half expected her to hang up but they could both see the excitement in their baby sisters face.

"What do you want?.....Yes well that was her idea.....no I don't want to see you......That's up to Piper.....when?......where?.... I'll make sure of that.......fine"

"Prue?" Phoebe was practically jumping up and down "Prue does he want to see us?"

"Yes" Prue was still a bit shell shocked as she sat back down next to Piper.

"Yay!" Pheobe was dancing round the room.

"Phoebe! Stop that now - calm down"

"You will let me see him won't you Prue?"

Prue nodded her head.

"Thank you! Oh Thank you! I love you Prue" Phoebe flung her arms around Prues neck and planted a kiss on her cheek quickly followed up by several more.

Prue sat motionless for a moment then reached out and pulled Phoebe on to her lap "Listen honey calm down - be careful he's let you down before there's no telling if he will again"

Piper knew Prue was trying to prepare Phoebe trying to avoid her little sister getting hurt.

"Are you coming? You and Piper?"

"I'm not. Piper?"

Piper shook her head - her memories were not as sharp as Prues but she still felt the pain of adandonment she wasn't ready to forgive.

Phoebes face fell, Prue gently stoked her cheek "I'll take you - ok? I'll take you and pick you up"

"Promise?"

"I promise - he wants to see you this afternoon - I'll take you to his hotel then I'll pick you up 2 hours later ok?"

"Prue! only 2 hours?" Phoebe whined

"Don't start Phoebe" Prues tone let her sister know this wasn't up for debate.

"What shall I wear?"

"What's wrong with what you're wearing?"

Phoebes face fell "Prue I want to look nice!"

"You always look nice!" Piper leaned across and tickled her sister.

"You know what I mean - can I put my new dress on?"

Prue nodded the oldest Halliwells watched as Phoebe practically skipped up the stairs.

"Oh god Piper! I hope I'm doing the right thing!"

"I don't think you've got much choice - she's growing up Prue she's getting a mind of her own"

"Getting! She's always had one - since the minute she was born!"

Piper laughed.

"I just don't want her to get hurt"

Piper wrapped an arm around her sisters shoulders "I know Prue neither do I but we can't wrap her up in cotton wool - its life there will be times when she hurts - we just have to be there for her, lets just hope this isn't one of those times eh?"

Prue nodded but the worried look didn't clear from her face.

Piper gave Prue a quick kiss "Come on Prue lets go help her get ready"

Prue smiled as she entered the bathroom - Phoebe was completely submerged in bubblebath. "I hope that's not my good stuff!" Prue wasn't really bothered and Phoebe could tell.

"No - its Pipers" Phoebe's grin filled her face

Prue let out a laugh just as Piper entered the room "What's Pipers?" Prue grinned at the middle sister - "the bath"

"Oh Phoebe!" Piper sounded exasparated.

"Piper! I have to look my best!"

Prue sniggered

Piper shook her head at Prue Prue was still grinning " Well you could jump in with her - that way you'll get to use it too!"

"Thanks Prue!"

"Just a suggestion - Prue knelt down at the side of the bath and took a wash cloth in her hand lathering it up she indicated to Phoebe to lean forward so she could wash her back, Prue took a sharp breath when she saw the bruise in the middle of her sisters back.

"What the hell is that?" Prue gently put her hand on the bruise.

"What?" Phoebe looked at Prue with innocent eyes.

"You know what! The bruise! How did you get it?"

"Some kid at school - pushed me and I fell into the teachers desk"

"Phoebe!" Both sisters at once

"What? It wasn't my fault"

"Phoebe how many times have I told you not to fight? and how many times have I told you to tell us when you're hurt"

Phoebe looked down "Loads"

"Well don't do it again missy!" Prue looked sternly at her sister

"I won't"

"Anyway come on lets get you dry - would you like me to do your hair?"

Phoebe grinned "Oh yes!"

"Come on then" Prue held a big towel open and lifted her sister out of the bath, drying her off she examined the bruise more closely "That looks sore Pheebes"

"A bit"

"Stand still while I put some witchhazel on"

"No! - I can't meet Dad smelling of witchhazel!" Phoebe sounded horrified.

"It's a gel - there is no smell"

"Oh!" Phoebe stood still as Prue applied the soothing gel to her bruise when she'd finished she gave her little sister a playful slap on her bottom - "Go and get dressed, I'll be in in a minute to do your hair"

Piper and Prue exhanged a smile as they watched their excited little sister run to her room.

"I just hope I'm doing the right thing Pipe"

Piper nodded "Me too"

Prue drew up in the Hotel carpark - Phoebe had hardly been able to contain herself she was so excited - she had her best dress on, her hair was neat, Piper had put some flowers in it and to top it all Prue had allowed her to borrow their Mums necklace.

Prue held her hand out she still wasn't happy about this, Phoebe held on tight to Prue she'd stopped talking and Prue knew the excitement was wearing off and fear was setting in. Prue led her to the Hotel lobby - sitting her down she knelt in front of her baby sister the little girl she'd looked after all her life. "Phoebe, call me if you want me to come and get you anytime ok?"

"I won't Prue I'll be fine"

"I'm just saying I won't mind - if you want me to come for you or you're upset about anything you ring me - promise me?"

Phoebe nodded

"Ok - I'm going now - don't you dare move from this spot - he knows where to come - he'll find you, I'm going to have a word with the receptionist if anything happens or you need anything you go and see her right?"

Phoebe nodded.

Prue leaned forward and took both her sister hands in hers she just couldn't shake the uneasy feeling in the pit of her stomach "Be good ok?"

Pheobe looked into her big sisters blue eyes and could see the love and concern.

"I promise Prue"

"Good girl - now I'll be back in two hours, ok?"

Phoebe nodded.

Prue leaned forward and gave her sister a kiss, Phoebe put her arms round Prues neck and gave her a hug "Thank you Prue"

Prue still looked worried as she nodded her head.

"Prue - do I look pretty?"

Prue felt the tears stinging the back of her eyes "You look beautiful honey"

"Will dad like me?"

Prue could feel the tears welling her little sister sounded so desparate "He'll love you" Prue leaned forward and hugged her sister back, "Now I'm just going to see the receptionist then I'm going ok? You've got money in case you need to call - meet me here in two hours alright?"

Phoebe nodded no longer sure of herself - she felt scared what if he didn't like her? She wished Prue would stay but she knew that wasn't going to happen.

"Bye babe"

"Bye"

Prue turned away and made her way to reception - she explained to the receptionist that she'd left her little sister to meet their dad and asked her to keep an eye out for her, Prue was almost to the car park when she had another thought she went back to reception.

"Hi - I'm sorry to bother you again - but would you mind if I left you my number - just in case - give me a call if you think she's upset or anything"

The receptionist smiled "No problem - don't worry I'll keep an eye on her"

"Thanks he should be here in a few minutes"

Prue couldn't settle her restlessness was driving Piper mad - "Prue for gods sake - if you're this worried you should have stayed with her!"

"Don't you think I know that Piper! You didn't see her she looked so, so..."

"So what?" Piper's tone had softened she knew Prue was only concerned about their baby.

"Vulnerable, Piper I've never seen her like that - she's normally so confident but she was well she looked I don't know"

"Well it is a big thing you know Prue"

"Yes Piper I do!" Prue looked across at her sister "Sorry, didn't mean to snap I mean its just going so slow - she's been there over an hour now"

"Yes and you can go and get her soon!"

"Do you think I did the right thing? Do you think I should have let her go"

"Prue we talked about this"

"I know, I know - its just well I just can't get her off my mind"

"No!"

Prue growled.

Piper grinned.






Phoebe was right where her sister had left her, nervously fiddling with her ring it took her a while to register that someone was talking to her "I'm sorry what did you say?"

The receptionist looked closely at the little girl "I asked you if you were still waiting for your dad"

Phoebe nodded "Yes, he must be delayed" Phoebe bit her lip.

"You've been waiting over an hour now honey - would you like me to ring your sister?"

Phoebe shook her head "No, thank you he'll be here"

"Would you like me to get you a drink"

Phoebe shook her head again "No thank you I'm ok"

"Would you like to come and wait with me?"

"No thank you my sister said I wasn't to move"

"Ok honey but if you need anything you'll come and ask me yes?"

Phoebe nodded again "yes"

Another 15 minutes passes and still no sign - the receptionist went back to the little girl "Hey honey I guess your daddy can't make it?"

"He'll come" Phoebe sounded unsure of herself the receptionist could see she was close to tears.

"Come on honey why don't you come with me - we can ring your sister, come on"

Phoebe looked into the kind face of the stranger she felt near to tears she nodded her head and took the offered hand.

Prue Halliwell was furious the bastard! How could he do this! She slammed the car door shut and made her way back into the Hotel were she'd left her sister over an hour and a half ago.

As soon as she saw her baby sister Prues anger left the little girl looked so pitiful - she was sitting behind the reception desk she'd taken Pipers flowers out of her hair and was staring at them Prue had never seen her look so lost. Without a word Prue knelt down reaching out she pulled the little girl to her and held her tight.

Phoebe buried her face in her sisters neck Prue could feel the tears starting she wasn't far off herself "Shh its ok honey its ok I've got you its ok" Prue felt Pheobe grasp onto her even tighter Phoebes face was pushed into her neck and her voice little more than a mumble "He didn't come Prue"

"I know honey I know its ok" Prue stood up and lifted her sister with her Phoebe stopped crying but her face remained buried in Prues neck.

Prue turned to the receptionist "Thank you" The receptionist just nodded she felt choked herself and she hardly knew the little girl. "Pheebes have you said thank you to the nice lady for looking after you?"

She felt Phoebe shake her head "Thank you"

"You're welcome sweetie"

Prue brushed Phoebes hair back "Come on baby - lets go get Piper its still early we could go to the beach if you want"

The beach was one of Phoebes favourite places "I want to go home"

"Ok, ok lets go then"

Apart from the occasional sniffle Phoebe didn't speak when they arrived at the Manor she ran inside and went straight to her room.

"What happened?"

"The bastard didn't show"

"Oh Prue! Is she ok"

"No - she's heartbroken"

Pipers eyes were wide "What do we do Prue?"

"I don't know - see what happens - whatever she wants we'll do"

"Oh god Prue! You were right! How could he do this how could he hurt her like this - she's not much more than a baby for gods sake!"

"I don't know Pipe - same way he could walk out on his three daughters I guess"

As Prue finished her sentence Phoebe came into the lounge she's changed out of her dress and had her facourite sweats and t-shirt on, her eyes looked swollen, she didn't speak to either sister she looked at Piper and held her arms out Piper immediately enveloped her in a hug.

"You ok baby girl?" Piper felt Phoebe nod her head "I just feel stupid"

Piper exchanged a look with Prue "You shouldn't honey do you want to talk about it"

Piper felt Phoebe shake her head "No"

Phoebe broke the hug and made her way over to Prue sitting on her knee she cuddled in to her big sister.

"Tummy ache back?" Prue was smiling at her little sister - gently stroking her back.

Phoebe shook her head "No"

"Want to talk?"

"No"
Phoebe had been on her sisters knee her head resting on Prues chest for 2 hours and still hadn't spoken, Piper had put her favourite video but she could tell Phoebe wasn't watching, Prue gently stroked her little sisters hair. Phoebe suddenly sat forward her hands on her neck.

"What's wrong babe?"

"Nothing I was just panicing - thought I'd lost Mums necklace.

Prue smiled "No its still there"

"Do you want me to take it off?"

"No honey its ok - why don't you keep it on until bedtime?"

Phoebe nodded her head and settled back down.

"Prue you were right"

"I didn't want to be"

"I know - do you think I was stupid?"

"Not at all"

"But I got so excited Prue and he didn't even care" Phoebes voice was trembling.

Piper slid closer to her sisters reaching out she gently cupped Phoebes face "You weren't stupid honey you were brave"

"Brave?" Phoebes eyes were wide as she looked at Piper

"Yes babe brave. You know deep down I would have liked to have seen Dad - but I was too scared"

"What of?"

"Something like this - I would have been so hurt"

"I am, I was so excited and he" Phoebes voice cracked, "he didn't even care"

Prue held her close.

"Pipers right honey you were brave if you hadn't gone you would never have known - and if anyones stupid its Dad - he's missed out on meeting the nicest, sweetest, loveliest little girl in the whole of San Fransisco"

Phoebe grinned at her sisters "Just San Fransisco?"

Piper smiled at her sisters knowing Phoebe was starting to heal.

"Prue if he rings I don't want to see him anymore - will you tell him?" Phoebes voice had gone quiet again.

"Oh yes! I'll tell him!" Prue pulled Phoebe close to her and gave her a kiss, "How about we go get some ice-cream?".

"That might help" Phoebe smiled at Prue.

"I thought it might" Prue ruffled her sisters hair.

"Hey get off!" Phoebe was struggling trying to break free Piper pounced on top of her "No Prues right - this isn't my little Phoebe what have you done with her? Where has she gone? My little sisters hair is wild not all neat and tidy like some barbie doll"

Phoebe was giggling by the time her sister stopped her hair was back to her normal style - wild.

Prue laughed "There she is Piper there's our baby girl!"

Phoebe giggled she put an arm around each of her sisters and gave them a kiss

"Who needs him when I've got the best sisters in the whole of San Fransisco"

"Just San Fransisco!" Both her sisters at once. All three giggled.

It was a hard lesson for a 9 year old but Pheobe grew up that day she stopped wishing for what she didn't have and instead concentrated on what she did have - the love and security of her two big sisters, and the person who missed out most of all?.........Victor Halliwell.


THE END